The Financial Times has announced the roster of senior‑level speakers for its upcoming Business of Entertainment Summit, which will take place in Los Angeles this September. Among the most notable additions are representatives from the video‑game sector—David Tinson, President and Chief Operating Officer of Electronic Arts (EA), and Tian Xiao, Head of North American Partnerships at Tencent Games. They will sit alongside a distinguished line‑up of executives from traditional media powerhouses such as Netflix, Sony Pictures, NBCUniversal, and the parent company of UFC and WWE, TKO Group. GamesIndustry.biz serves as a promotional partner for the event, working in conjunction with its parent organization, IGNE Entertainment.
The summit is billed as a deep‑dive into the "forces reshaping entertainment," gathering thought leaders from every corner of the entertainment ecosystem. The agenda is designed to explore a broad spectrum of topics that are redefining how audiences consume content and how creators monetize their work. Key discussion points will include the evolving landscape of media dealmaking, the construction and management of franchise ecosystems, the growing global cultural influence of entertainment brands, the integration of live‑event experiences, the emerging role of artificial intelligence in enhancing fan engagement, and the future pathways for content monetisation across platforms. David Tinson will appear on a panel dedicated to cross‑medium entertainment, sharing insights alongside senior figures from Universal Entertainment and narrative‑driven production house Madison Wells.
The conversation is expected to examine how properties can transition fluidly between games, film, television, and emerging interactive formats, and what strategic partnerships are required to sustain such multi‑platform storytelling. Tian Xiao, meanwhile, will contribute to a session focused on the worldwide surge of Asian cultural exports. His perspective will illuminate how Tencent Games is leveraging its vast portfolio to reach North American audiences, the challenges of localization, and the broader implications of Asia’s growing soft power in the global entertainment market. The summit’s keynote lineup features some of the most influential voices in the industry.
Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer at Netflix, will discuss the streaming giant’s content strategy and its impact on the broader media landscape. Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group, will address the convergence of sports, combat entertainment, and digital media.
Ravi Ahuja, Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures, will share insights on film production, distribution, and the integration of gaming IPs into cinematic experiences. Additionally, David Lee, Chief Financial Officer of Webtoon, will speak about the monetisation of digital comics and the potential for cross‑media adaptations. Beyond the keynote speakers, the event will host a diverse array of panelists and participants, including senior executives from Amazon Prime Video, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Disney, and Regal Global Entertainment.
Representatives from major talent agencies such as Creative Artists Agency (CAA), United Talent Agency (UTA), and Verve Talent & Literary Agency will also be present, providing a comprehensive view of the talent‑representation side of the entertainment business. Attendees will have the opportunity to network with leaders from companies like EA, Pokémon, Apple, Netflix, Sony Pictures, and Paramount, fostering connections that could lead to future collaborations across gaming, film, television, and live‑event sectors.
The summit aims to serve as a catalyst for dialogue that bridges the traditionally separate worlds of interactive entertainment and linear media, highlighting the synergies that are increasingly driving revenue and audience growth. Tickets for the Business of Entertainment Summit are now on sale, with options for both virtual participation and in‑person attendance at the West Hollywood venue. GamesIndustry.biz readers are eligible for a special 20 percent discount by applying the promo code GIB20 at checkout or by following the dedicated discount link provided by the organizer. This reduced rate is intended to encourage wider participation from professionals across the gaming and broader entertainment communities, ensuring that the conversation reflects a truly interdisciplinary perspective.
In summary, the FT Business of Entertainment Summit promises to be a pivotal gathering for anyone interested in the future of media and entertainment. By bringing together top executives from gaming giants like EA and Tencent with leaders from streaming services, film studios, sports entertainment, and talent agencies, the event will explore how technology, cultural trends, and strategic partnerships are reshaping the way stories are told and consumed. Whether you are a content creator, a studio executive, a game developer, or a media investor, the summit offers a unique platform to gain insight, share expertise, and forge the collaborations that will define the next era of entertainment.